Jim Jamieson of the Vancouver Province reports that Higgins arrived at the rink today with a swollen hand — and when Higgins arrives at the rink with a swollen hand, it’s serious business. He sat out the Dec. 6 game versus Colorado with a foot infection and missed six games with the Panthers last season because of a similar ailment.

This latest (possible) infection will keep Higgins from traveling with the Canucks as they head to California. Vancouver begins its three-game roadie against the Sharks on Wednesday — while Higgins won’t travel today (he’s undergoing tests), Jamieson notes he could join the team in San Jose tomorrow.

And just so we’re clear, these Staph infections have nothing to do with Higgins’ cleanliness (or lack thereof).

“I washed my equipment more than anybody else I’ve ever seen, even before I got the Staph infection,” Higgins said last season.

“I wash it two or three times a week and there are guys that never wash it.”